A new report from a pair of Portland Trail Blazers insiders claims Damian Lillard never wanted to be traded to the Milwaukee Bucks . And he preferred being dealt to a different Eastern Conference club two years ago.
The future Hall of Famer hit free agency for the first time in his career this summer. While he likely will miss all of the 2025-26 NBA season, he had many suitors, including contenders, around the league. Yet, the nine-time All-Star stunned NBA observers when he chose to return to the franchise where he became a superstar, the Trail Blazers.
Damian Lillard stats (2024-25): 24.9 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 7.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 38% 3PT
In a new edition of the Blazers Focused podcast , Trail Blazers insiders Aaron Fentress and Craig Birnbach explained that Lillard's deep love for his children played a massive role in his decision. Despite the Blazers being a team that will fight for a play-in spot in upcoming seasons, and other high-profile point guards like Jrue Holiday on the roster, Lillard preferred to be close to his children and back in a city he loves.
Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
However, there was another interesting bit of intelligence that came out of the conversation. "Also, he was not happy in Milwaukee," Fentress said. "He didn't want to go there in the first place; he wanted to go to Miami . He relented and went to Milwaukee because his agent talked him into it."
Damian Lillard contract: Three years, $70 million
The NBA great hit the open market this offseason after Milwaukee shockingly bout out the rest of his contract. That decision was made so they could add Indiana Pacers star Myles Turner to the roster and not have a massive luxury tax bill. Lillard will be paid $22.6 million annually by the Bucks over the next five years.
He signed a three-year deal worth $70 million with Portland last week.
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